First two flights of pre-Hajj operation leave Karachi, Lahore 

Two flights of AirSial and Saudia Airlines, carrying 160 and 345 pilgrims, respectively left Karachi and Lahore airports for Saudi Arabia on Saturday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

First flight of AirSial’s pre-Hajj operation, PF-7700, with 160 pilgrims onboard, left Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport for Mecca at 2:05 AM.

Pakistan Airports Authority said that latest immigration facilities had been provided to pilgrims under the Route to Mecca programme.

Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi saw off pilgrims at the airport.

Federal and provincial ministers, present on the occasion, reviewed the facilities provided to pilgrims.

They visited the Saudi immigration counters and appreciated the facilities being offered there.

Also on Saturday, the first flight of the pre-Hajj operation from Lahore, carrying 345 passengers, left for Medina.

Saudi Airlines, SV5735, departed at 10:30 in the morning.

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Punjab Minister for Health Khawaja Salman Rafique, Provincial Minister Mian Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman, Saudi envoy to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, Federal Secretary for Religious Affairs Ibrar Ahmad Mirza and other senior officials saw off the pilgrims at Allama Iqbal International Airport.

Reporters: Khurshid Rehmani and Saeed Ahmad Saeed